Gordon Giltrap MBE is a British guitar virtuoso known for his innovative fingerstyle technique and genre-blending compositions. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the iconic Perilous Journey (1977), featuring the hit instrumental Heartsong. Giltrap's music fuses folk, rock, and classical influences, earning him a dedicated global following. A true master of the acoustic guitar, he has collaborated with top musicians and continues to inspire players worldwide with his unique style and musical storytelling.
In this episode we talk about the upcoming auction of 18 of his guitars (June 10, 2025) — each holding a story from his life on stage and in the studio — and how downsizing, legacy, and creative renewal have shaped his latest chapter.
We also hear about;
- Gordon's early days in the folk scene and friendship with Bert Jansch
- How Heartsong became an iconic theme and national favourite
- Creating music without formal training — and why “doing it all wrong” worked
- Thoughts on gear, tunings, and the role of the delay pedal
- Collaborations with Rick Wakeman, Brian May, and composer Nicholas Hooper
- The personal impact of losing his wife Hilary, and the music that followed
- Why he’s letting go of his guitars — and what he hopes comes next
🎸 Gordon’s Latest Releases:
- Starfield EP
- From Brush and Stone (Re-released on vinyl with Rick Wakeman)
- Travel Notes (with Chris McCormack)
- Scattered Chapters
→ All available via https://www.giltrap.co.uk/
💡 Don’t miss Gordon’s guitar auction on June 10th, 2025 — hosted by Gardiner Houlgate.
Details available on his website.
🎙️ Subscribe for more deep-dive interviews with creative minds at undercurrentstories.com
#GordonGiltrap #Heartsong #BritishGuitarist #GuitarAuction #FolkRock #MusicPodcast #UndercurrentStories
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Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020
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